Football is well known for mourning the loss of its own but it goes some way to show how well someone is respected when that crosses the tribal allegiances of club and country.
Nowhere is more tribal than Glasgow but Celtic were among the first to pay tribute to former Rangers boss Walter Smith on the news of his death, aged 73.
“Celtic Football Club expresses its deepest sympathies following the sad news that former Rangers and Scotland Manager, Walter Smith, has passed away,” Glasgow Celtic wrote on their social media after the death of Smith.
“Walter was a tremendous servant to Scottish football and everyone at Celtic FC sends their heartfelt condolences,” they added.
There were individual tributes for Smith from others tied to Celtic, including Kenny Dalglish, John Hartson and Chris Sutton.
Smith was a giant of the Scottish game, as a player, a manager and then a chairman, and clubs from his playing days – Dumbarton and Dundee United – paid their own tributes to the man.
“It is with very deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our former player Walter Smith,” Dumbarton wrote on Twitter.
“After playing for Dumbarton, Walter became a legendary manager with Rangers, Everton and Scotland. All of our thoughts are with Walter’s family and friends at this sad time.”
“Dundee United is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, coach, assistant manager, and board member Walter Smith,” Dundee wrote on Twitter.
While Dundee United experienced almost every facet of Smith’s football experience, it was Glasgow Rangers where the legend was made.
Smith arrived at Rangers as assistant manager to Graeme Souness after taking Scotland to the 1986 FIFA World Cup as assistant to Alex Ferguson.
He would replace Souness and win seven league titles before heading south to Everton. Smith would return to Rangers – a club he said “has always been in my blood” – and win three more titles to take his trophy haul to 21 before helping on the board as they battled administration.
Walter Smith Photo: IC
Rangers Chairman Douglas Park led the tributes to a Rangers legend. “It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers,” Park said.
“He embodied everything that a Ranger should be. His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first team manager.
“I spoke with Walter as recently as last weekend. Even when he was battling illness, he was still able to provide advice and support. For that, I am personally grateful. I know that he continued also to maintain dialogue with senior members of staff, including our manager, Steven Gerrard.
“Walter will be sorely missed by all of us at Rangers. For Rangers supporters, he was much more than just a football manager. Walter was a friend to many, a leader, an ambassador and – most of all – a legend,” Park added.
“He was my boss, my coach, my second father and then turned into one of my best friends,” former Rangers striker and later manager Ally McCoist told Talksport Radio.
“The loss is absolutely incredible. He was the best husband, father, friend, everything you want from a man. I can’t tell you how devastated I am.”
Alan Stubbs, who was captain at Everton under Smith, spoke to BBC Five Live Radio, “Walter gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream to sign for Everton and become captain.”
Smith and Ferguson would reunite with Smith taking the role of assistant manager at Manchester United alongside his former Scotland boss.
“Walter was a special person. He fought his illness with great courage. He was a great friend of mine for years and years, I had him as my assistant at United in 2004 and he was also my assistant when Scotland went to the World Cup in 1986,” Ferguson told Manchester United’s official website.
“In all that time you were dealing with a man with great moral compass in how he lived his life and the friendship he offered so many people. His contribution to football with Dundee United, Rangers, Scotland, Everton and Man United was immense.
“He was only at United a short time. But he was fantastic. I lost Carlos Queiroz to Real Madrid and I knew I needed an assistant so I phoned Walter about it and he came for six months and helped us win the FA Cup against Millwall. He had a wonderful connection with people because he was a great listener, that was one of his greatest qualities.
“He listened and showed an interest in people and helped everyone he could. It’s such a loss to the game and to everyone that knew him. I send my sincere condolences to his wife Ethel and his two sons Neil and Steven. I’ll miss him greatly.”
Current Rangers boss Gerrard also spoke highly of Smith.
“Walter was an incredible leader. He epitomised everything that this club stands for. His DNA is all over the club,” the former Liverpool player said.
“He’s been right behind me since Day 1. We’ve had many lunches, dinners, coffees and chats and private time in my office so he’s going to be a big loss.
“He gave many, many years to this football club. He loved the club. He was honest, he was genuine and he’s made me a better person.
“I’ve been the lucky one to know him and spend time with him.”
The Scottish FA described Smith as “one of the most successful managers in Scottish football history,” while Everton paid their own tribute.
“The Scot was a tremendously popular figure at Everton, players and staff unanimously warming to Smith’s genial and empathetic nature,” they said in a statement.
“He was one of the very best people I was lucky enough to meet in my lifetime in football,” Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said.
“A man of loyalty, integrity and great talent. Strong when he needed to be but with a mischievous sense of humor that could ease even the most tense situations.”
Former Rangers owner and chairman Sir David Murray and former player-manager Souness put it best in a joint statement.
“Scottish football has lost one of its finest,” they wrote. “Even in the proud history of Glasgow Rangers, Walter Smith stands out as a colossus. He will never be forgotten.”
